The Kynix Blog

Good things come in small packages. This is especially true in the world of portable wireless communications systems. Cell phones, wearables, and implantable electronics have shrunk over time, which has made them more useful in many cases. But a critical component of these devices -- the antenna -- hasn't followed suit. Researchers haven't been able to get them much smaller, until now. In a paper published online Tuesday in Nature Communications, Nian Sun, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern, and his colleagues describe a new approach to designing antennas. The discovery enables researchers to construct antennas that are up to a thousand times smaller than currently available antennas, Sun said. "A lot of people have tried hard to reduce the size of antennas. This has been an open challenge for the whole society," Sun said. "We looked into this problem and thought, 'why don't we use a new mechanism?'" Traditional antennas are built to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves, which travel fast -- up to the speed of light. But electromagnetic waves have a relatively long wavelength. That means antennas must maintain a certain size in order to work efficiently with electromagnetic radiation. Instead of designing antennas at the electromagnetic wave resonance -- so they receive and transmit electromagnetic waves -- researchers tailored the antennas to acoustic resonance. Acoustic resonance waves are roughly 10 thousand times -- smaller than electromagnetic waves. This translates to an antenna that's one or two orders of magnitude smaller than even the most compact antennas available today. Since acoustic resonance and electromagnetic waves have the same frequency, the new antennas would still work for cell phones and other wireless communication devices. And they would provide the same instantaneous delivery of information. In fact, researchers found their antennas performed better than traditional kinds. Tiny antennas have big implications, especially for Internet of Things devices, and in the biomedical field. For example, Sun said the technology could lead to better bioinjectible, bioimplantable, or even bioinjestible devices that monitor health. One such application that neurosurgeons are interested in exploring is a device that could sense neuron behavior deep in the brain. But bringing this idea to life has stumped researchers, until now. "Something that's millimeters or even micrometers in size would make biomedical implantation much easier to achieve, and the tissue damage would be much less," Sun said. Ref.KY78-501WPKY78-ASM56

High-side current sensors measure the current flowing through the positive side of a circuit. They allow you to monitor current without disrupting the connection between the load and ground. This makes them ideal for systems where maintaining ground integrity is critical.For beginners, high-side current sensing simplifies troubleshooting and enhances circuit safety. You can detect overloads or faults early, protecting your components from damage.You’ll find these sensors in electric vehicles, power management systems, and industrial automation. They play a vital role in ensuring efficient and safe operation in these applications.Understanding High-Side Current SensingWhat is current sensing?Current sensing is the process of measuring the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It helps you monitor how much current is being used by a device or system. This information is essential for ensuring that your circuit operates safely and efficiently.You can use current sensing to detect problems like overloads or short circuits. It also helps in optimizing energy usage. For example, in battery-powered devices, current sensing ensures that the battery is not overused, extending its lifespan.High-side vs. low-side current sensingWhen measuring current, you can choose between high-side and low-side current sensing. The difference lies in where the sensor is placed in the circuit.High-side current sensing: The sensor is placed between the power source and the load. This method measures the current flowing through the positive side of the circuit.Low-side current sensing: The sensor is placed between the load and ground. This method measures the current on the negative side of the circuit.High-side current sensing offers several advantages. It allows you to monitor current without breaking the connection to the ground. This is crucial for systems where maintaining ground integrity is important. Low-side sensing, on the other hand, can disrupt the ground connection, which may cause issues in sensitive circuits.Tip: Use high-side current sensing when working with circuits that require stable ground connections, such as in automotive or industrial applications.Benefits of high-side current sensingHigh-side current sensing provides several key benefits:Improved safety: It allows you to detect faults or overloads early, protecting your components from damage.Ground integrity: By measuring current on the positive side, it ensures that the ground connection remains undisturbed.Versatility: High-side current sensors work well in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles, power management systems, and industrial automation.Accurate current monitoring: These sensors provide precise measurements, even in high-current applications.By using high-side current sensors, you can enhance the reliability and efficiency of your circuits. They are an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced engineers.Components of a DIY Current SensorShunt resistor: Role and selection criteriaThe shunt resistor plays a critical role in your current sensor module. It measures the voltage drop caused by the current flowing through it, which is then used to calculate the current. Selecting the right shunt resistor ensures accurate current measurement and minimizes power loss.When choosing a shunt resistor, consider the following:Accuracy and sensitivity: Ensure the resistor provides precise readings for your application.Material: Use materials that reduce thermal errors, such as manganin or constantan.Resistance value: Opt for a low resistance (in the milliohm range) to minimize power dissipation.Connection type: Kelvin connections improve accuracy by separating current-carrying and voltage-sensing paths.Size and mounting: Select a resistor that fits your circuit layout and thermal requirements.Tip: Follow manufacturer guidelines to reduce temperature sensitivity and enhance precision in your design.Amplifiers for high-side current sensorsA current-sense amplifier is essential for amplifying the small voltage drop across the shunt resistor. This amplified signal allows you to measure current accurately, even in high-current applications.When selecting an amplifier, prioritize these factors:Input range: Ensure the amplifier can handle the voltage levels in your circuit.Gain: Choose an amplifier with adjustable gain to match your measurement needs.Power supply: Verify compatibility with your circuit's voltage and power requirements.Linearity: Look for amplifiers with excellent linearity to maintain accuracy.Note: A non-inverting amplifier configuration works well for high-side current sensing.Voltage range and power supply considerationsYour DIY current sensor must operate within the voltage and current limits of your application. For example, a typical design can measure currents up to 15 Amps continuously and handle peaks of 20 Amps.To ensure reliable performance:Use a shunt resistor with minimal resistance to reduce power dissipation and heating.Amplify the voltage drop across the shunt resistor using a current-sense amplifier.Verify that your power supply provides stable voltage to the amplifier and other components.By carefully considering these factors, you can design a robust and efficient current sensor module for your projects.Step-by-Step Guide to High-Side Current Sensor DesignImage Source: pexelsDefine application requirementsStart by identifying the specific needs of your project. Consider the type of circuit you are working with and the current range you need to measure. For example, if you are designing a diy current sensor for a battery-powered device, you might need to measure currents between 0.1 Amps and 10 Amps.List the environmental conditions your sensor will face. Will it operate in high temperatures or areas with electromagnetic interference? These factors influence the choice of components, such as the shunt resistor and current-sense amplifier.Tip: Write down your requirements in a table for clarity. Include details like current range, voltage levels, and environmental conditions.Calculate the shunt resistor valueThe shunt resistor is the backbone of high-side current sensing. Its resistance determines the voltage drop, which is used to calculate the current. To find the right value, follow these steps:Determine the maximum current: Identify the highest current your circuit will handle.Set the voltage drop: Choose a voltage drop that is measurable but does not cause excessive power loss. For example, a drop of 50 mV is common for many applications.Use the formula: Calculate the resistance using Ohm’s Law:R = V / I Here, R is the resistance, V is the voltage drop, and I is the maximum current.For more detailed guidance, engineering tutorials often recommend:Methods for calculating the maximum shunt resistor value based on application needs.Techniques to minimize tolerance errors in the resistor.Insights into selecting materials like manganin to reduce thermal drift.Note: Keep the resistance low (in the milliohm range) to minimize power dissipation and heating.Select and configure the amplifierThe current-sense amplifier is crucial for accurate high-side current sensing. It amplifies the small voltage drop across the shunt resistor, making it easier to measure.When choosing an amplifier, focus on these factors:Input voltage range: Ensure the amplifier can handle the voltage levels in your circuit.Gain settings: Select an amplifier with adjustable gain to match your measurement needs.Power supply compatibility: Verify that the amplifier works with your circuit’s voltage and power requirements.Accuracy: Look for amplifiers with high linearity and low offset voltage.After selecting the amplifier, configure it for your diy current sensor. Connect the amplifier to the shunt resistor and adjust the gain settings to match your application. Test the setup to ensure the amplified signal is accurate and stable.Tip: Use a non-inverting amplifier configuration for high-side current sensing. This setup maintains signal integrity and simplifies the design process.Test and validate your diy current sensor.Testing and validating your diy current sensor ensures it performs accurately and reliably in real-world conditions. Follow these steps to evaluate your design effectively:Set up a test circuitCreate a simple test circuit to simulate the conditions your sensor will face. Use a power source, a load (such as a resistor or motor), and your diy current sensor. Ensure the connections are secure and match your design specifications.Tip: Use a variable power supply to test your sensor across different voltage and current levels.Measure the voltage drop across the shunt resistorUse a multimeter to measure the voltage drop across the shunt resistor. Compare this value to the expected voltage drop based on your calculations. This step verifies that the shunt resistor is functioning correctly.Note: If the measured voltage drop deviates significantly, check for loose connections or incorrect resistor values.Verify the amplifier outputConnect an oscilloscope or a data acquisition system to the amplifier output. Observe the amplified signal and ensure it corresponds to the current flowing through the circuit. The output should be stable and free from noise or distortion.Tip: If the signal appears noisy, consider adding a low-pass filter to reduce interference.Test under different load conditionsVary the load in your test circuit to simulate different operating conditions. Measure the current and compare it to the readings from your diy current sensor. This step ensures your sensor provides accurate measurements across its entire operating range.Check for thermal stabilityRun your test circuit for an extended period to evaluate the thermal performance of your sensor. Monitor the temperature of the shunt resistor and other components. Excessive heating can affect accuracy and damage your sensor.Tip: If you notice significant heating, consider using a resistor with a higher power rating or improving heat dissipation.Calibrate your sensorIf your sensor's readings differ from the actual current, perform a calibration. Use a known reference current to adjust the gain or offset of your amplifier. Calibration ensures your diy current sensor provides precise measurements.Document your resultsRecord your observations and test results in a table or spreadsheet. Include details like the measured current, voltage drop, amplifier output, and any issues encountered. This documentation helps you refine your design and troubleshoot problems in the future.Test ConditionMeasured CurrentVoltage DropAmplifier OutputObservationsLow Load (1 Amp)1.02 A50 mV2.5 VSlight noise in outputMedium Load (5 Amps)5.01 A250 mV12.5 VStable outputHigh Load (10 Amps)9.98 A500 mV25.0 VNo issues observedBy following these steps, you can ensure your diy current sensor operates as intended. Testing and validation are crucial for identifying potential issues and improving the performance of your design.Overcoming Challenges in High-Side Current SensingManaging noise and interferenceNoise and interference can distort the signals in high-side current sensing, leading to inaccurate readings. You can minimize these issues by implementing proper design practices.Start by using shielded cables to reduce electromagnetic interference. Place your sensor components away from high-frequency sources like switching power supplies. Adding a low-pass filter to your circuit can help eliminate high-frequency noise.Grounding plays a vital role in reducing interference. Ensure your circuit has a single, stable ground point to avoid ground loops. If you notice persistent noise, consider using differential amplifiers. These amplifiers reject common-mode noise, improving signal clarity.Tip: Test your sensor in environments with varying noise levels to ensure consistent performance.Preventing thermal issues in the shunt resistorThermal issues can affect the accuracy of your current monitoring. Excessive heat in the shunt resistor can cause resistance changes, leading to measurement errors.Choose a shunt resistor with a low temperature coefficient to minimize thermal drift. Materials like manganin are ideal for maintaining stable resistance under heat. Ensure the resistor’s power rating exceeds the expected power dissipation in your circuit.Improve heat dissipation by using larger resistors or mounting them on heat sinks. Proper ventilation in your circuit enclosure can also help manage heat.Note: Monitor the temperature of your shunt resistor during testing to identify potential thermal problems early.Ensuring accuracy in high-current applicationsHigh-current applications demand precise measurements to ensure safe and efficient operation. Accuracy in high-side current sensors depends on careful component selection and calibration.Use a shunt resistor with tight tolerance to reduce measurement errors. Pair it with a high-quality current-sense amplifier that offers low offset voltage and high linearity. Calibrate your sensor using a reference current to fine-tune its output.For circuits with fluctuating currents, consider using amplifiers with fast response times. This ensures your sensor captures rapid changes accurately.Tip: Regularly test your sensor under maximum current conditions to verify its accuracy and reliability.High-side current sensors play a vital role in monitoring circuits safely and efficiently. They protect components, maintain ground integrity, and deliver accurate readings in demanding applications.To design your DIY current sensor, focus on key steps: select the right shunt resistor, configure the amplifier, and test thoroughly. Each step ensures your sensor performs reliably.Tip: Experiment with different setups and refine your design. Testing under real-world conditions helps you improve accuracy and durability. With practice, you’ll master high-side current sensing and build better circuits.FAQ1. What is the main difference between high-side and low-side current sensing?High-side sensing measures current on the positive side of the circuit, preserving ground integrity. Low-side sensing measures current on the negative side but can disrupt the ground connection. High-side sensing is ideal for circuits requiring stable ground connections.2. How do I choose the right shunt resistor for my project?Select a resistor with low resistance (milliohm range) to minimize power loss. Use materials like manganin for thermal stability. Ensure the resistor’s power rating exceeds the expected power dissipation in your circuit.Tip: Kelvin connections improve accuracy by separating current-carrying and voltage-sensing paths.3. Can high-side current sensors handle high-current applications?Yes, they can. Use a shunt resistor with tight tolerance and a high-quality amplifier with low offset voltage. Calibrate your sensor to ensure precise measurements. Regular testing under maximum current conditions helps verify accuracy.4. How do I reduce noise in high-side current sensing?Use shielded cables and place components away from high-frequency sources. Add a low-pass filter to eliminate high-frequency noise. Differential amplifiers reject common-mode noise, improving signal clarity.Note: Test your sensor in noisy environments to ensure consistent performance.5. Why is calibration important for DIY current sensors?Calibration adjusts the sensor’s gain and offset to match actual current values. It ensures accurate measurements and compensates for component tolerances. Use a known reference current during calibration for best results.Emoji Tip: ??? Regular calibration keeps your sensor reliable and precise!

SummaryAccording to recent market research by Grand View Research,the global power electronics market will be valued at $39.2bn by 2025.To ensure electrical products and infrastructure are capable of supporting this 40% growth, REO UK is calling on laboratories and testing facilities to invest in stable DC power supplies for electrical testing. Electrical testing is a critical part of the design and development of power electronics and electrical components. Electricla Testing WorkElectrical testing involves running accurately monitored voltages through a component or product to ensure it is capable of withstanding and performing under specified currents. This ensures smooth performance and correct specification details once the tested equipment is on the market.  REO UK has worked extensively with test facilities and laboratories in the past and has identified a recurring problem of poor power quality affecting test accuracy. The company has previously launched ranges of electrical power supplies to provide stepless voltage adjustment to overcome this issue.  Steve Hughes,Managing Director of REO UK said: " Testing requires absolute accuracy to ensure  that products are reliable,safe and able to perform,if the market for power electronics is to reach its projected 40% growth in the coming decade, testing must be accurately controlled and reliable to ensure a consistently high standard of products."  Test Facilities disadvantage"Unfortunately,we often see that test facilities lack this control, either due to inaccurate electrical equipment or electromagnetic interference (EMI) making the current unreliable.” Up to now, the company has  stepped up its focus on test facilities with its new REOLAB 1000E electronic DC power supply for test equipment. The product is designed for use in testing the operating current of semiconductor diodes and rectifiers, as well as the maximum DC reverse voltage of a system up to 1,200V.  “Our new REOLAB 1000E helps to tackle the lack of electrical control with its stepless voltage adjustments and current tolerance of ±1%,” continued Hughes. “This tolerance level means that the supplied power is highly accurate and controllable.“In addition to this, the REOLAB range has a design that complies with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards to prevent creating power quality problems. This ensures test and laboratory facilities can test properly and effectively with minimal concerns over unstable loads.” 

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has created the most functional flexible transistor in the world -- and with it, a fast, simple and inexpensive fabrication process that's easily scalable to the commercial level. It's an advance that could open the door to an increasingly interconnected world, enabling manufacturers to add "smart," wireless capabilities to any number of large or small products or objects -- like wearable sensors and computers for people and animals -- that curve, bend, stretch and move. Transistors are ubiquitous building blocks of modern electronics. The UW-Madison group's advance is a twist on a two-decade-old industry standard: a BiCMOS (bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor) thin-film transistor, which combines two very different technologies -- and speed, high current and low power dissipation in the form of heat and wasted energy -- all on one surface. As a result, these "mixed-signal" devices (with both analog and digital capabilities) deliver both brains and brawn and are the chip of choice for many of today's portable electronic devices, including cellphones. "The industry standard is very good," says Zhenqiang (Jack) Ma, the Lynn H. Matthias Professor and Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in electrical and computer engineering at UW-Madison. "Now we can do the same things with our transistor -- but it can bend." Ma is a world leader in high-frequency flexible electronics. He and his collaborators described their advance in the inaugural issue of the journal Flexible Electronics. Making traditional BiCMOS flexible electronics is difficult, in part because the process takes several months and requires a multitude of delicate, high-temperature steps. Even a minor variation in temperature at any point could ruin all of the previous steps. Ma and his collaborators fabricated their flexible electronics on a single-crystal silicon nanomembrane on a single bendable piece of plastic. The secret to their success is their unique process, which eliminates many steps and slashes both the time and cost of fabricating the transistors. "In industry, they need to finish these in three months," he says. "We finished it in a week." He says his group's much simpler high-temperature process can scale to industry-level production right away. "The key is that parameters are important," he says. "One high-temperature step fixes everything -- like glue. Now, we have more powerful mixed-signal tools. Basically, the idea is for flexible electronics to expand with this. The platform is getting bigger." Ref.KY56-2SA1860KY45-EKMC1601113

Researchers have proposed a design for the first DNA sequencer based on an electronic nanosensor that can detect tiny motions as small as a single atom. The proposed device—a type of capacitor, which stores electric charge—is a tiny ribbon of molybdenum disulfide suspended over a metal electrode and immersed in water. The ribbon is 15.5 nanometers (nm, billionths of a meter) long and 4.5 nm wide. Single-stranded DNA, containing a chain of bases (bits of genetic code), is threaded through a hole 2.5 nm wide in the thin ribbon. The ribbon flexes only when a DNA base pairs up with and then separates from a complementary base affixed to the hole. The membrane motion is detected as an electrical signal. As described in a new paper, the NIST team made numerical simulations and theoretical estimates to show the membrane would be 79 to 86 percent accurate in identifying DNA bases in a single measurement at speeds up to about 70 million bases per second. Integrated circuits would detect and measure electrical signals and identify bases. The results suggest such a device could be a fast, accurate and cost-effective DNA sequencer, according to the paper. Conventional sequencing, developed in the 1970s, involves separating, copying, labeling and reassembling pieces of DNA to read the genetic information. Newer methods include automated sequencing of many DNA fragments at once—still costly—and novel "nanopore sequencing" concepts. For example, the same NIST group recently demonstrated the idea of sequencing DNA by passing it through a graphene nanopore, and measuring how graphene's electronic properties respond to strain. The latest NIST proposal relies on a thin film of molybdenum disulfide—a stable, layered material that conducts electricity and is often used as a lubricant. Among other advantages, this material does not stick to DNA, which can be a problem with graphene. The NIST team suggests the method might even work without a nanopore—a simpler design—by passing DNA across the edge of the membrane. "This approach potentially solves the issue with DNA sticking to graphene if inserted improperly, because this approach does not use graphene, period," NIST theorist and lead author Alex Smolyanitsky said. "Another major difference is that instead of relying on the properties of graphene or any particular material used, we read motions electrically in an easier way by forming a capacitor. This makes any electrically conductive membrane suitable for the application." Nanomaterials expert Boris Yakobson of Rice University, a co-author on the paper, suggested the capacitor idea. Computational support was provided by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. DNA has four bases. For the simulations, cytosine (C), which naturally pairs up with guanine (G), is attached to the inside of the pore. When a piece of DNA passes through the pore, any G in the strand temporarily attaches to the embedded C, pulling on the nanoribbon and signaling the electrode. The DNA sequence is determined by measuring how and when electrical blips vary over time. To detect all four bases, four nanoribbons, each with a different base attached to the pore, could be stacked vertically to create an integrated DNA sensor. The molybdenum disulfide ribbon is flexible enough to deform measurably in response to the forces required to break up a DNA pair, but rigid enough to have less ongoing, meaningless movement than graphene, potentially reducing unwanted noise in the sequencing signals. The deflection of the ribbon is exceedingly small, on the order of one angstrom, the size of a hydrogen atom. Its pulling force is on the order of 50 piconewtons, or trillionths of a newton, enough to break up the delicate chemical bonds between DNA bases. Researchers estimated how the device would perform in an integrated circuit and found the peak currents through the capacitor were measurable (50 to 70 picoamperes), even for the small nanoribbons studied. The current peaks are expected to be even larger in physical systems. The device size could be tweaked to make it even easier to measure sequencing signals. The NIST authors hope to build a physical version of the device in the future. For practical applications, the chip-sized DNA sequencing microfluidic technology might be combined with electronics into a single device small enough to be handheld. Reference: RFCS04021000BJTT1 RFCS04025000DBTT1 SC02201518    

DescriptionIt's not weird to discover that applications are becoming more complex,with connectivity just one of the drivers. And,as it become more complex.the number of sensors grows,as does the need for more capable user interfaces. At the same time,algoriths need more processing power,wireless stacks mandate larger memories and power budgets are shrinking.In order to coping with the growing list of demands, a great number of leading MCU manufacturers have recently launched Micro Controller Unit built around the ARM Cortex-M4 core. BodyThe M3 is general purpse and the M0+is low cost but the M4 is a more capable core in general if look at the Cortex range. Oivind Loe,a senior strategic marketing manager with Sillicon Laboratories said. Microchip's product marketing manager--Anand Rangara commented:“Something that sat around without the need to communicate now needs connectivity. When that happens, you need more flash and RAM, as well as graphics capability and perhaps the ability to support a touch interface. All this has to be offered at good power/performance and an attractive price.”  'Industrial Strength' MCUsSilicon Labs has expanded its EFM32 Gecko portfolio with what it calls ‘industrial strength’ MCUs. It says the EFM32GG11 Giant Gecko MCU family offers the ‘most advanced’ feature set available in the low-power MCU market.Loe noted that MCU development isn’t just about power. “It’s also about executing tasks efficiently. A simple program with a few clocks will run efficiently on an M0+ core. But if the workload is larger, the M4 core has some special instructions that can allow it to use less energy than the M0+ and more efficiently than some larger cores – and that's crucial for a range of application.” GG11 Geckos offer up to 2Mbyte of flash and 512kbyte of RAM to accommodate more code and comms stacks, such as a 10/100 Ethernet MAC and a dual CAN interface. Looking to meet power budgets, the parts boast an active power consumption of 77μA/MHz, while drawing 1.6μA in deep sleep mode. FPU to Increase System EffiencyMicrochip’s SAM D5x/E5x MCUs also take advantage of the Cortex-M4’s floating point unit (FPU) to increase system efficiency. Running at up to 120MHz, the D5x and E5x MCUs come with up to 1Mbyte of dual-panel flash and up to 256kbyte of SRAM. Rangarajan noted: “We’ve listened to our customers, so we’ve included more connectivity in these MCUs. But it's not just about adding memory , it’s also about more performance and the ability to provide more flexible peripherals, interfaces and connectivity options.” Meanwhile,he  pointed out that the original SAM D MCUs – developed by Atmel prior to its acquisition by Microchip – were based on the Cortex-M0+. “But we’ve always wanted to take the product line to the next level of performance. This allows Microchip to address a broader range of consumer and industrial automation applications.” Limited the Clock RateBucking the trend to a certain extent, both Silicon Labs and Microchip have limited the clock rate in their latest MCUs. Giant Geckos, for example, have a maximum clock of 72MHz. “These products are focused on energy efficiency,” Loe claimed. “If you build an MCU to run at 200MHz, for example, then each clock cycle will consume more energy than in an MCU running at 72MHz. A lot of MCUs will be used in battery powered apps, so we need to be energy efficient and to enable the CPU to sleep a lot.” Rangarajan agreed that clock rate is not always the primary factor when it comes to developing MCU portfolios. “We hear our customers saying don’t give me faster clock rates, make sure the MCUs meet my requirements. An app that runs from a battery requires a power efficient MCU. If you want a fast MCU, then you have to make trade offs.” In Loe’s views, MCU selection is all about the ability to perform certain tasks at a particular power efficiency. “That is always going to involve trade offs, but an M4 based MCU will generally be good for embedded applications with challenging energy consumption requirements.” Adopt the Concept of Smart PeripheralsBoth companies have adopted the concept of smart peripherals in their recent products. Loe explained: “Twenty years ago, most MCUs saw the CPU doing everything. That took a lot of CPU cycles, which meant you couldn’t do as much as you might have liked.“Today, most apps will take advantage of DMA, which offloads the CPU. In turn, this allows the CPU to do more.” Rangarajan said Microchip provides what he called ‘sleepwalking’ peripherals. “If there’s a requirement for them to do small numbers of transactions, this can be done without waking the CPU.” On the other hand,Sillicon Loe Noted that It’s all about when you have to wake up the M4 core. We’re trying to allow it to sleep for as much as possible. More than half of the peripherals in a Giant Gecko can run autonomously in deep sleep mode. Both Companies are Keen to Highlight Their Provision Silicon Labs has launched a starter kit to support Giant Gecko based application development(following picture) With this approach, a Giant Gecko’s A/D converter can operate while the CPU is in deep sleep mode. “It can sample and use DMA to pull the data into RAM,” Loe continued.Loe highlighted a couple of aspects. “We have included a cyrotimer that runs in shut off; the lowest energy mode. It’s a simple timer that’s useful when you need the CPU to be asleep for minutes. there’s the Peripheral Reflex System, which allows peripherals to talk. For example, the real time clock could tell the A/D converter to take a sample. It gives a level of determinism which you don’t get from a CPU.  Microchip's Product brings better power efficiency How does an MCU developer differentiate their products from similar devices with an M4 core? Rangarajan pointed to the integration of a buck regulator. “This brings better power efficiency,” he claimed, “which means lower active power consumption; as little as 65µA/MHz. The parts also support flexible pin options.”“We’re offering the best integrated security features,” Rangarajan contended. “SAM Dx/Ex MCUs have crypto hardware acceleration – symmetrical and asymmetrical – and public key encryption, amongst other features. It’s something Microchip has taken to heart and has made sure it’s all in the MCU.“We’re offering the best integrated security features,” Rangarajan contended. “SAM Dx/Ex MCUs have crypto hardware acceleration – symmetrical and asymmetrical – and public key encryption, amongst other features. It’s something Microchip has taken to heart and has made sure it’s all in the MCU.  EndLoe pointed to the security management unit (SMU) as an ‘upgrade’ to the memory protection unit (MPU) associated with the M4’s core. “While the MPU allows you to segment memory into eight regions, the SMU takes that further. The MPU is restricted to eight regions, so there is limited granularity. The SMU allows you to selectively say which pieces of code can access each peripheral.” “All of this is important,” Rangarajan concluded, “as security will become standard in the next few years.”